What turns a Good Samaritan into a villain

Mamun’s play “Shenapati” traces a flawed social system that often wrongs middle class existence. Photo: Mumit M

As a playwright, Abdullah Al-Mamun looked at society as a whole entity, where the poor, middle and upper class occasionally confront one another but, nevertheless, coexist. In his plays, Mamun beautifully outlined the issues of middle class with compassion, and studied the causes that haunt them everyday. His "Shenapati" is one such effort. The protagonist is an educated, multi-faceted individual from a middle class background.
Centre for Asian (CAT) Theatre staged the play at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on August 3.
The protagonist, Talukdar, emerges in the opening act like the genie of a magic lamp -- always ready to implement every wish of his master. Talukdar impresses his master with his fast-talking. Gradually, through his confessions, it is revealed that Talukdar desperately wants revenge, in any way possible.
But Talukdar used to be a Good Samaritan. With a humble background, all Talukdar ever desired was a content existence in the society with his wife. But the so-called 'system' played him like a fool, and Talukdar found himself figuring nowhere in the society.
A scorned Talukdar plans to take revenge on the society, which made him feel small and insignificant, through destroying his master. He gradually takes over all his master's possessions.
Talukdar instigates the workers at his master's industry, and causes an uprising. A murder ensues. However, Talukdar's wife, Merry, who works for a welfare organisation for women, reveals her husband's conspiracy. When the news breaks out and everyone is on the hunt for Talukdar, he vanishes. But before leaving, Talukdar vows to emerge again with a new destructive plan.
"Shenapati" was planned and directed by Ahsan Reza Khan Tushar. Abul Kalam Azad (Shetu) and Mithu Burman played the roles of Talukdar and Master respectively. Among others, Rahmatullah Basu, Marzina Muna and Shahadat Hossain played central roles. Kamaluddin Nilu was the advisory director of the play.
The music, which featured several recorded tracks including a Pink Floyd number "Money," was conceptualised by Atanu Tias, Biplab Sarkar and Maruf Hasan Emon. Md. Rafi was the choreographer.
The play premiered recently at the festival -- organised by Theatre -- celebrating Abdullah Al-Mamun's birth anniversary.